Milan Pile Pressure On Juve As Inter Suffer Shock Defeat

byDavidonJanuary 30, 2012

AC Milan continued where they left off last Wednesday by beating Cagliari 3-0 at the San Siro yesterday to take them to within a point of leaders Juventus. Juve on the other hand were 2-1 winners over Udinese on Saturday.

Both wins see them pull clear of there nearest challengers Udinese and Lazio to set up a rather interesting conclusion to the league this season. Meanwhile, Inter Milan suffered a shock defeat to relegation threatened Lecce.

Despite not leading the league the Rossoneri seem to be in cruise control and are favourites to defend their title. However, it will be interesting to see how the cope in their upcoming fixtures with their injuries piling up.

Midfielder Alex Merkel who had only been signed on loan from Genoa is now out of action for the next to months after suffering knee ligament damage. Merkel was brought in as a replacement for the injured Alberto Aquilani and Genaro Gattuso.

With Alexander Pato and Kevin Prince Boateng also out injured, Milan will have to dig deep within themselves if they are to maintain their impressive form.

That said, credit has to be given to Juventus who have been steady throughout the season. The Bianconeri remain unbeaten in the league and with only Milan providing serious competition, Juventus are the favourites to win the scudetto.

Ironically, former Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo has been instrumental for them throughout the season. Of course, this raises questions why he was sold in the first place.

In an interview after leaving Milan, Pirlo stated that it was not he choice but that of the club to dispose of him. However, speaking after the match yesterday, Allegri maintained that he had no regrets in letting Pirlo leave.

“Pirlo is a champion and is having a great season,” Allegri said.

“It was a choice, which included economic factors, for us to part.

“Teams win with champions but some teams also win after they’re sold.”

Most fans do not agree with those sentiments and should Juve pip Milan to the Scudetto, Allegri could find his job security seriously threatened. Looking forward, both Juventus and Milan have tough league fixtures coming up with the Bianconeri facing Parma away tomorrow while Milan travel to Rome to face Lazio a day later.